In the book To Kill a Mockingbird, many themes are discussed throughout the story. The most significant theme is how, over the course of the story, Jem and Scout slowly mature after specific events and realize the reality of good and evil. Along the way, they meet Tom Robinson, a black man convicted of raping a white girl, who plays a major role in the story. Mrs. Dubose, a senile and grumpy woman, shows what "real courage" is. Arthur Radley, known as Boo, is a recluse who allegedly tried to kill his father. As events unfold, Jem and Scout are struck by the reality of racism and social inequality, but above all by the role that good and evil play in people's minds and hearts. Our first major character is Boo Radley, who is first introduced as Scout and Jem pass the Radley house every day after school. Jem, Scout and Dill are fascinated by the chilling tales of Boo's past, spending many summers acting out his life and imagining what he is like. As the story progresses, the children realize that Boo was actually a smart kid, but was treated poorly by his "foot-washing Baptist" father, leading to problems mentally from a very young age. Boo Radley is one of the eponymous "mockingbirds" in the book, the other being Tom Robinson. Mockingbirds, as Atticus's book explains, "do nothing but make music for us to enjoy...but they sing for us with all their hearts." This is why it is a sin to kill a mockingbird. » (90) The analogy is true for Boo, a young boy damaged by his father's ambitions, and this is part of the reason he became estranged from society. effects of a racist/judgmental culture and realizes how bad society is. Towards the end of the book, Scout ...... middle of paper ...... loses her innocence after realizing how racist the world really is. Mr. Raymond reveals to them that racism is a very bad thing and that society would avoid him if they knew that he was not a drunk and simply preferred black people to white people. Throughout the story, Jem and Scout experience different people and grow in the process, differentiating the good from the bad. A major figure in the children's lives was Tom Robinson, who was convicted for no apparent reason. Mrs. Dubose was very intolerant of the children, but in the end Jem learned some of them. very precious things from him Boo Radley, our “mockingbird”, turns out to be one of the good guys, like a silent savior. The children learn their lessons, as can be seen when Scout behaves like a lady when Jem is a teenager, when Dill loses his innocence, and when Jem reaches adolescence..